Stage Left Theatre's KEYS OF THE KINGDOM Begins Today

Stage Left Theatre, in association with Theater Wit, announces the upcoming world premiere of Keys of the Kingdom written by Penny Penniston and directed by ensemble member Greg Werstler. Keys of the Kingdom is the second production of Stage Left' s 33rd season. Press opening is Friday, January 16 at 8 PM at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont. The show runs through February 15.

As assistant to the celebrity pastor of an evangelical mega church, Arthur obeys orders, attacks paperwork, and guards against sin. So Arthur is surprised when the church pastor commissions a mural from Irene Hoff, an atheist New York artist married to another woman. Arthur is even more surprised when the pastor explains that he believes Irene has been chosen by God. But the biggest surprise of all is what happens when Irene shows up and starts to paint.

Keys of the Kingdom was developed at Stage Left though the Downstage Left Program LeapFest in 2012. In 2014, Portland Center Stage selected the Keys of the Kingdom for its JAW Festival, where it received a 2-week workshop and public reading.

In line with our mission to raise social and political debate, Stage Left offers patrons a Symposium Series for every production. Immediately following each Sunday matinee, we will invite the audience to stay for a discussion centered on a particular question raised by the performance. Admission to the Symposium Series is free, but it is recommended that attendees have seen the production in order to fully appreciate and participate in the discussion. Keys of the Kingdom wrestles with questions of Christianity, faith, sacrifice, and tolerance. Ultimately, the play asks: What must we accept in others? What can we demand from others? Where is God in the midst of this struggle?

Keys of the Kingdom runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM from 1/10/15 through 2/15/15. Tickets are $20-32 and will be available through the Theater Wit box office either online at www.theaterwit.org or by calling 773-975-8150. Press Opening is Friday, January 16 at 8:00 PM. Previews are Saturday, January 10 at 8:00pm; Sunday, January 11 at 3:00 PM; Wednesday, January 14 at 8 PM; and Thursday, January 15 at 8:00 PM. Preview tickets are $20. Keys of the Kingdom will be performed at Theater Wit at 1229 W. Belmont in Chicago. The theater is handicapped and CTA accessible via the Belmont El (Red & Brown).